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5
GENERAL SAFETY RULES
KICKBACK
See Figures 1 - 2.
WARNING:
Kickback may occur when the moving chain contacts an
object at the upper portion of the tip of the guide bar or
when the wood closes in and pinches the saw chain in the
cut. Contact at the upper portion of the tip of the guide
bar can cause the chain to dig into the object and stop the
chain for an instant. The result is a lightning fast, reverse
reaction which kicks the guide bar up and back toward
the operator. If the saw chain is pinched along the top of
the guide bar, the guide bar can be driven rapidly back
toward the operator. Either of these reactions can cause
loss of saw control which can result in serious injury. Do
not rely exclusively upon the safety devices built into the
saw. As a chain saw user, you should take several steps
to keep your cutting jobs free from accident or injury.
n The following precautions should be followed to mini-
mize kickback:
1. Always grip the saw firmly with both hands. Hold the
saw firmly with both hands when the unit is running.
Place your right hand on the rear handle and your left
hand on the front handle with your thumbs and fingers
encircling the chain saw handles. A firm grip together
with a stiff left arm will help you maintain control of
the saw if kickback occurs.
2. Make sure that the area in which you are cutting is free
from obstructions. Do not let the nose of the guide bar
contact a log, branch, fence, or any other obstruction
that could be hit while you are operating the saw.
3. Always cut with the unit running. Fully squeeze the switch
trigger and maintain cutting speed.
4. Use replacement parts such as low kickback chain
(part no. 301304001), SAFE-T-TIP
®
anti-kickback nose
guards and special guide bars that reduce the risks
associated with rotational kickback.
Use only the replacement guide bars (part no.
301139003) and low kickback chains specified by
the manufacturer for the saw.
n With a basic understanding of kickback, you can reduce
or eliminate the element of surprise. Sudden surprise
contributes to accidents.
n Keep proper footing and balance at all times.
n Do not cut above shoulder height or overreach when cutting.
n Keep the SAFE-T-TIP
®
anti-kickback nose guard properly
mounted on the guide bar to prevent rotational kickback.
n Follow the sharpening and maintenance instructions for
the saw chain.
n Push and Pull - This reaction force is always opposite to
the direction the chain is moving where wood contact is
made. Thus, the operator must be ready to control the
PULL when cutting on the bottom edge of the bar, and
PUSH when cutting along the top edge. See Figure 3.
KICKBACK
DANGER ZONE
Fig. 2
ROTATIONAL
KICKBACK
BAR SHOWN WITHOUT SAFE-T-TIP
®
NOSE GUARD FOR
ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY
Fig. 1
Fig. 3
PULL
PUSH